Freddie Flintoff

There was, for the first time in his Test career and perhaps his life, a moment’s hesitation in Ben Stokes. He had come off the field after taking 6 for 99 in his fourth Test match and was asked if he relished the fray.

Divisions in the squad, crushing lows, champagne moments... the Middlesex batsman has had a torrid reign as England captain. As his touring squad is announced today, he tells Robin Scott-Elliot why the biggest test is yet to come

Steve Harmison wants to continue playing for England. The Durham pace bowler missed out on a central contract last week but he is still hoping to be picked for the four-Test series of South Africa which begins in December.

There are issues of much greater concern to England than being 4-0 down in a one-day series against Australia. Were it to become 5-0, as seems probable in Nottingham tonight, or even 7-0 by the time the interminable round of matches is apparently complete in Durham on Sunday, it would matter hardly a jot compared to the continuing uncertainties about the side's two most influential players.

Tourists are limp, leaderless and distinctly UnAustralian

Andrew Grice: Inside Westminster

Blairites be warned, this could be the moment Labour turns into Syriza

The mystery of Britain's worst naval disaster is finally solved - 271 years later

Exclusive: David Keys reveals the research that finally explains why HMS Victory went down with the loss of 1,100 lives

'I saw people so injured you couldn't tell if they were dead or alive'

Nagasaki survivors on why Japan must not abandon its post-war pacifism

The voter Obama tried hardest to keep onside

Outgoing The Daily Show host, Jon Stewart, became the voice of Democrats who felt the President had failed to deliver on his ‘Yes We Can’ slogan. Tim Walker charts the ups and downs of their 10-year relationship on screen